Course code: 1144 + Coordinator: Associate Professor Peter
Fitzpatrick
Entry to the Bachelor of Performing Arts at first year is through VTAC. The
Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) is available on the Clayton campus for
students who wish to prepare themselves for careers in the performing arts and
related areas. The BPA allows students to undertake a major sequence of studies
in a principal art form, as well as a minor sequence of studies in a different
art form, or, with special approval, in a discipline taught by another school
or faculty. Students may, if they wish, also complete a first-year sequence in
another art form.
Major and minor sequences are available in drama, music and visual culture. A
minor sequence in dance studies and visual culture is possible.
To qualify for the BPA, students must also complete sequences in
interdisciplinary studies (involving participation in a multimedia performance
project) and in the history, nature and analysis of the arts.
Students undertaking the BPA degree will complete a range of integrated,
interdisciplinary courses in two or more of the following arts: (i) drama, (ii)
music, (iii) dance studies, (iv) visual culture. The course provides a balance
of practical, theoretical, critical and contextual studies. Students will be
involved in cooperative productions working in two or more performing art
forms, eg in music theatre or dance-drama productions and sound sculpture
exhibitions. The BPA has a greater concentration on practical, creative and
performing art courses than is customary in the program for the Bachelor of
Arts, and takes a broader approach across the arts than the more specialised
music units leading to the Bachelor of Music.
Performing
art forms included in this degree are drama, music, dance studies and visual
culture. Within the discipline of visual culture, students may choose units
with an emphasis on film and television.
Students must undertake (i) a major sequence and not more than 64 points in
drama; or, with approval, one of music or visual culture and (ii) a minor
sequence in a different performing art form. Students who choose a major only
and not a minor as well must elect to complete a first-year sequence in a
second performing art form and are encouraged to complete a first-year sequence
in a third performing art form. Students may not, however, undertake a major
and a minor in the visual culture combination.
In exceptional circumstances, students may choose to take their minor sequence
in a discipline taught by another arts school or faculty. Students should
contact the coordinator of the degree, Associate Professor Peter Fitzpatrick,
for details and permission.
Previous page | Next page | Section contents | Title and contents